Contents3
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
ContentsLayout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The brief instruction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic functions and important information . . . . .
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
. . .
General view of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . .
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-functional indicator (onboard computer) .
Information display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Check Control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the battery of the radio remote control
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchonisation of the remote control . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric sliding/tilting roof with electric sun screen*
Lights and Visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Stowage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting front seats electrically* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Middle rear head restraint* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable loading floor* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable loading floor* with spare wheel* . . . . . . .
Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter*, power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Cooling of storage compartment on front passenger
side* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel* . . . . . . .
Storage compartment in front centre console . . .
Storage compartment for spectacles* . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment in the front and rear doors
Storage compartment below front passenger seat*
Front seat armrest with storage compartment* . .
Storage compartment in rear centre console* . . .
Storage compartments in the luggage compartment*
Flexible storage compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clothes hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removeable through-loading bag* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system
. . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic* (semi-automatic air conditioning system)
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . .
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*
Starting-off and Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting steering wheel position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox DSG*
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox DSG* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II* . . . . .
Voice control of the telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inputs AUX-IN* and MDI* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7
9
9
11
11
16
16
17
17
17
17
18
18
20
20
24
26
29
39
39
39
40
40
40
45
46
46
47
5053
53
60
62
63
66
69
69
70
72
73
74
77
78
82
83
84
85
86
86
87
88
88
89
89
89
90
90
90
91
91
92
92
9293
93
95
95
96
98
101
105
109
109
109
110
111
112
112
113
114
115
119
121
121
126
126
129
132
135
135
137
137
137
138
sgg.6.book Page 3 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Contents 4
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . .
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-road* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . .
Off-road driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of the group N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Space for first-aid box* and warning triangle* . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations
(99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI - EU 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./81 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR - EU°5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yeti - Vehicles of the group N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
141
141
142
143
146
146
147
149
150
152
154
156
156
158
161
162
163
163
163
166
167
167
168
168
168
169
170
170
173
173
174
174
178
178179
179
180
190
190
193
193
193
193
197
200
200
200
201
203
203
205
207
209
210
214
215
215
221
221
221
221
223
223
223
223
223224
224
225
229
230
233
233
238
243
243
243
243
243
243
243
244
245
245
246
247
249
251
253
255
257
259
sgg.6.book Page 4 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Seats and Stowage
83
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Remove carrier railsFig. 82 Luggage compartment: Slacken
check points / remove carrier rails
Install carrier rails– Slacken the check points on the carrier rails using the vehicle key or a flat screw-
driver
⇒fig. 82
.
– Grasp the carrier rail at the position
⇒fig. 82
and slacken it by pulling in the
direction of arrow.
– Grasp the carrier rail at the position ,
slacken it by pulling in the direction of
arrow and take it out.
– The carrier rail on the other side of
the luggage compartment can be removed in
the same way.
Install carrier rails– Position the carrier rails on the
sides of the luggage compartment.
– Press both check points on each carrier rail up to the stop. – Check the attachment of the carrier rails by pulling it.
WARNING
Pay attention when installing that the carrier rails are correctly fixed, otherwise the occupants are at risk.
Variable loading floo
r* with spare wheel*
Use variable loading floorFig. 83 Luggage compartment: Fold the side parts of the loading floor / example for using the variable loading floorThe variable loading floor makes it easier to handle bulky goods and creates an even luggage compartment floor when the rear seat backrests are folded forward. The maximum permissable surface load of the variable loading floor is 75 kg. You can fold down the side parts of the loading floor in direction arrow in order to enlarge the space foreseen for stowing items of luggage
⇒fig. 83
.
Note
If the variable loading floor with spare wheel*
is installed, no flexible storage compart-
ment can be installed.•
The variable loading floor with spare wheel*
can be secured in the raised position
in the same way as the variable loading floor without spare wheel*
⇒page 82, “Secure
the variable loading floor in the raised position”.
AB
AA
A1
AA
A2
sgg.6.book Page 83 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Starting-off and Driving
116
•
The external sound source of the park
assist and the parking aid can be
disruptively influenced and under unfavourable conditions, objects or people cannot be recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.
Caution
•
If other vehicles are parked behind or on
the kurb, the park assist guides your
ve hicle be yond the kurb or onto it. Make s ure that the whee ls or the whe el rims of yo ur vehicle are not damaged and if necessary intervene in time.•
You should satisfy yourself before parking that there is no small obstacle, such as a
rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front
or behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle
might not be within the range detected by the sensors.•
Under certain circumstances, surfaces or st
ructures of certain objects such as wire
mesh fences, powder snow etc..., ca
nnot be recognised by the system.
•
The evaluation of the parking space and the parking procedure depends on the
circumference of the wheels. The system does not function correctly if your vehicle is mounted with wheels of non-permissible
size, snow chains or a temporary spare
wheel (in order to reach the nearest workshop). If the tyres other than those excepted by the manufacturer are mounted, the resulting position of the vehicle in the parking space can differ slightly. The parking assistant system automatically performs the correction of the wheel circumference when driving.•
The accuracy of the evaluation for the parking space can be influenced by the
incorrectly determined outside temperature if
the later is influenced by the thermal
radiation of the engine i.e for stop and go in a traffic jam.•
In order to avoid damaging th
e sensors while cleaning wi
th high-pressure cleaners
or steam jets, the sensors must only be
directly sprayed for short periods while a
minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
Note
•
A component of the park assist is the front and rear parking aid*.
•
The electronic stability programme (ESP*)
must always be switched on for the
parking procedure.
•
Only the front parking aid operates if yo
u are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing de
vice*). This is why it is not possible to
park backwards with the help of the
park assist when towing a trailer.
•
The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.Switch on display of the park a
ssist in the information display*
Fig. 119 Switching on the park assist / information display: Finding a suitable parking spaceSwitch on display of the park assist in the information display*– Press the button
⇒fig. 119
.
– Drive past the parking row up to maximum 30 km/h and with a distance of 0.5 m to
1.5 m
⇒fig. 119
.
Operate the turn signal for the driver's side if
you wish to park on this side of the road.
In the information display* the search area
for the parking space is indicated on the
driver's side. If you press the button at a speed greate
r than 30 km/h and less than 50 km/h, the
message indicating that the speed for detecting the space is exceeded will be displayed in the information display of the in
strument cluster. If the speed drops below
30 km/h, the condition of the parking assistant is automatically displayed in the infor-mation display of the instrument cluster. When exceeding the speed of 50 km/h, it is required to activate the displa
y again by pressing the button
⇒fig. 119
.
WARNING (continued)
sgg.6.book Page 116 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Intelligent Technology
169
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light
or lights up in the instru-
ment cluster
⇒page 32.
WARNING
Contact your specialist
garage if the power steering is defective.
Tyre inflation pressu
re-control system*
The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the rolling circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light
lights up in the instrument
cluster
⇒page 35 and an audible signal sounds.
The rolling circumference of the tyre
can change if:•
the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
•
the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•
the vehicle is loaded on one side,
•
the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when driving
uphill or downhill),•
snow chains are mounted,
•
the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
•
one wheel per axle was changed.
Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system After changing the tyre inflation pressures or after changing one or several wheels, the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. ex
changing the wheels between the axles) or
when the warning light lights up while drivin
g, a basic setting of the system must be
carried out as follows.•
Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure
⇒page 215.
•
Switch on the ignition.
•
Press button
⇒fig. 156
for more than 2 seconds. While pressing the button,
the warning light
lights up. At the same time the memory of the system is erased
and the new calibration is started, which is confirmed with an audible signal and then the warning light
goes out.
•
If the warning light
does not go out after the basic
setting, there is a fault in the
system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage. Warning light
lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one
wheel is insufficiently inflated in comparison
to the stored basic va
lue, the warning light
⇒
lights up.
Warning light
flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
WARNING
•
When the warning light
lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvr
es. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in
spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.•
The driver is responsible for the correc
t tyre inflation pressures. For this
reason, the tyre inflation pressu
res must be checked regularly.
•
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light
can be delayed or does not light up at all.
•
The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the respon-
sability from the driver for the
correct tyre inflation pressure.
Fig. 156 Button for setting the tyre infla- tion pressure control value
sgg.6.book Page 169 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Driving and the Environment
182
Explanation of technical termsFig. 163 Embankment angle / slope angle Fig. 164 Ground clearance / ramp angleThe technical data
⇒page 245, “Angle (in degree)” refer to ideal conditions. These
values may differ depending on the load an
d composition of the soil and the environ-
ment. The driver is responsible to decide whether a vehicle can overcome a certain situation. Embankment angle (front and rear) Transition from the horizontal plane to an
upward slope or from a downward slope
back to the plane. The angle indication determines the angle at which you can drive the vehicle down the embankment, at a slow speed, without the bumper or the under-body of the vehicle touching the ground. Slope angle The difference of altitude (upward slope) which is overcome on a stretch of road of 100 m, is indicated in percentage or degrees, i.e. the gradiant at which the vehicle can climb
a hill on its own (among other things, depe
nding on the road surface and the engine
power). Ground clearance The distance between the road surface and the deepest point of the vehicle under- body. Ramp angle The angle indication determines the angle
at which you can driv
e the vehicle over a
ramp, at a slow speed, without the underbody of the vehicle touching the ramp edge.
WARNING
When exceeding the maximum value given in the table
⇒page 245, “Angle (in
degree)”, this can result in serious injuries and/or vehicle damage. All of the data was determined on flat, firm and non-slip road surfaces as well as under dry weather conditions. There are no id
eal off-road conditions. Therefore,
never completely go according to th
e maximum values, but always leave a
safety margin.Useful utensilsMany items can be very useful wh
en driving off-road, for example:
•
compass and maps,
•
torch and spare batteries,
•
mobile phone or CB radio,
•
tow bar or tow rope with sufficient tear strength,
•
electrically driven tyre pump for connect
ing to the 12-volt power outlet of the
vehicle,•
a blanket and rubber boots,
•
snow chains,
•
a timber plank which is approximately 4 cm thick and about 1 metre long can be
used as a traction aid when the vehicle is stuck or as a base for the lifting jack,•
additional tools and a folding
yardstick or a measuring tape,
•
spare wheel and tyre repair kit,
AA
AB
AC
AD
sgg.6.book Page 182 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Towing a trailer
191
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Headlights Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter the setting as necessary with the ai
d of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒page 58.
Detachable ball head The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which
feature a factory-fitted
towing device. It is
stowed together with separate fitting instru
ctions in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment of the vehicle. Further information on the towing device
⇒page 192.
Note
•
We recommend that you also have your
vehicle inspected between service inter-
vals if you tow a trailer frequently.•
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.Driving Tips Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.– Do not, as far as possible, drive with
your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to
downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time. – Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high. Distribution of weight The distribution of the weight
is very poor if your vehicle
is unladen and the trailer is
laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combina-tion. Driving speed Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind cond
itions, particularly near accident black
spots. You must always reduce your speed immediat
ely as soon as you detect even just the
slightest swaying
of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating. Apply the brakes in good time! If
the trailer is fitted with a
trailer brake
, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake. Engine overheating Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engi
ne speed when the outside temperature is
very high
⇒page 17, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light
in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few
minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒page 207,
“Inspecting the coolant level”. Please refer to the following guidelines
⇒page 34, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity
”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear and increasing the engine speed is not possible
since the fan speed is independent of the
engine speed. One should also not drop a gear
for this reason when towing a trailer as
long as the engine can manage th
e slope without any drop in speed.
sgg.6.book Page 191 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Wheels and Tyres
215
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Wheels and TyresWheelsGeneral information•
New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run in for about
500 km at a moderate speed and an appropri
ately cautious style of driving. You will
also profit from longer tyre life.•
The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the config-
uration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the manufacturer).•
Drive over curbs on the side of the road
and other such obstacles slowly and,
where possible, at a right angle in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.•
Inspect your tyres from time to time
for damage (punctures, cuts, splits and
bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.•
Damage to tyres and wheels is frequently
not visible. Unusual vi
brations or pulling
of the vehicle to one side coul
d be a sign of tyre damage.
Please reduce your speed
immediately and stop if you su
spect that a wheel is damaged.
Inspect the tyres for
signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.). If no
visible damage is present, please drive at an
appropriately slow speed and carefully to the nearest specialist garage in order to have your vehicle inspected.•
Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•
Immediately replace any dust caps of
the valves which have got lost.
•
Mark wheels before removing them so that
their previous dire
ction of running can
be maintained when mounted them again.•
Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where
possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
WARNING
•
New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and should
therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!•
Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.Ty re l i feThe life of your tyres very much depends on the following points: Tyre pressure The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insufficiently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse
effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at
high speeds
. It
is therefore good to check the pressure at
least once a month and also before setting
off on a long trip. Please do not forget the spare wheel when checking the tyres. The tyre inflation pressures for
summer tyres
are indicated on the inside of the fuel
filler flap
⇒fig. 178
. The inflation pressures for
winter tyres
are 20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher
than those for summer tyres
⇒page 218.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times. Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher pres- sure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Fig. 178 An opened fuel filler flap with a tyre size and tyre inflation pressure table
sgg.6.book Page 215 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM